Schumer Demands Navy Name Ship In Honor Of Fallen Irish Immigrant, Long Island Resident
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-Brooklyn) urged the U.S. Navy to posthumously honor USMC Corporal Patrick “Bob” Gallagher by naming a Navy ship in his honor yesterday.
Gallagher, an Irish immigrant who moved to Long Island in 1962. He later joined the Marines and was stationed in Vietnam where he later died when he was tragically killed in action in 1967 on his last scheduled day in Vietnam.
Before his untimely passing, Corporal Gallagher received the prestigious Navy Cross award, the highest Honor in the Navy, for having jumped on a live grenade, which he later threw in a nearby river, that saved his life and the lives of his fellow comrades during a surprise nighttime raid by the enemy. Gallagher is one of over 30 Irish citizens killed in the Vietnam War.
Schumer cites the Navy’s policy of naming destroyers for “distinguished heroes who are deceased members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard” as reason for the honorary tribute. Currently, a petition started in 2013 has more than 10,000 signatures in support of the request.
“Corporal Gallagher’s breathtaking bravery and selflessness deserves to be memorialized, and naming a Navy ship after the Corporal Gallagher would be the perfect tribute to recognize this Irish-American hero – on behalf of a people who have contributed so mightily to the greatness of our nation. It would also duly recognize the deep love so many immigrants from every corner of the world have for America, and serve as an appropriate memorial for the countless newcomers to this nation who love America so much they are willing to serve this nation in our Armed Forces – and even to die for it,” said Schumer.
Cornegy Celebrates Seniors With ‘Active Aging Week’ Event
City Council member Robert Cornegy (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) will kick-off the neighborhood age-friendly initiative “Active Aging Week” next week for senior members of his district.
The event is part of Age-Friendly NYC, an initiative that maximizes the social and economic participation of individuals 62-years-old and older. The initiative focuses on advocacy, education, health, housing, economic power, social inclusion, technology and transportation for seniors.
The week long event will feature events aimed at improving skin, health, diet and lifestyle practices for seniors including discussions with health professionals and licensed health experts. The event is free and open to the public.
The event is slated to begin at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Restoration Plaza, at 1368 Fulton Street (Multi-Purpose Room) in Bed-Stuy.
Colton To Give Out Free Flu Shots
Assembly member William Colton (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) will give out free flu shots this month.
The event is a preventative measure to prepare for the onset of the flu season that is generally known as the period from October to May. According to Center for Disease and Control (CDC) the best method of preventing the flu from spreading is through vaccination. Rite Aid medical professionals will be on hand to vaccinate all attendees. The event is free and open to all members of the community.
The event is slated for 12-noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29 at Colton’s District Office, at 155 Kings Highway in (Between West 12th and West 13th Streets) in Bensonhurst.
Espinal’s Office of Nightlife Bill To Be Signed By Mayor
City Council member Rafael Espinal‘s (D-Bushwick, East New York) bill, Intro. 1688, establishing New York City’s Office of Nightlife, will be signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio today.
On August 24, Espinal passed Intro No. 1688, creating an Office of Nightlife and Nightlife Advisory Board to liaise between local residents city agencies and nightlife establishments. The Office will also address residents’ quality of life concerns, and make policy suggestions on how to support nightlife, including ways to improve its workforce conditions.
Last week, Espinal chaired a council Consumer Affairs Committee Hearing on his bill to repeal the city’s archaic 1926 Cabaret Law that has long targeted particular nightlife establishments, in some cases banning dancing and keeping businesses in a state of fear and stifling the city’s iconic creative nightlife spaces.
Repeal of the cabaret law comes as part of a broader agenda to address the cultural, social, and quality of life issues of everyday New Yorkers, specifically related to the experience of NYC during the nighttime hours.
The event is slated for 8 p.m., today, Sept. 19, at House of Yes, at 2 Wyckoff Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
Montgomery Hosts Town Hall Meeting On Constitutional Convention
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Boerum Hill) will host a Town Hall meeting on the Constitutional Convention today.
This November, voters will be asked to decide on the convening of a New York State Constitutional Convention. The NYS Constitution predates the United States Constitution by ten years and provides greater protections for New Yorkers. The NYS Constitution has the power to continue protections not included in President Trump’s policy changes.
However, the current right and protections guaranteed under the State Constitution could be open for modification if a convention is convened including protections for seniors, public education, unions, workers’ rights, housing, safety net programs and the environment.
The event is slated for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., today, Sept. 19 at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, at 85 South Oxford Street in Fort Greene.
